Years ago I was full of fury. At least, that's how one professional assessment described me. While in that state, as a result of a corporate change, I was given a new boss. My old boss was just fine and I felt no need for a new one. Regardless, I was in my car driving to the first meeting with my new boss. The drive took an hour so I had plenty of time to build up a head of steam. So I did. That assessment was accurate: by the time I arrived at my new boss' office I was full of fury. After we had shaken hands, I sat down in a chair across from him. My new boss asked me to be candid and let him know what was going on. I gave him an earful. In fact, I gave him more than two ears full. When I was done, he had a very pleasant look on his face and he thanked me.

I will never forget that day...the day I received my first real-life lesson on leadership...the day I met a friend for life.